Opium use linked to increased risk of dying

People who regularly use opium have a significantly higher risk of death than those who do not, a study has confirmed.

Scientists at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences looked at opium use among more than 50,000 people, aged 40 to 75, in northern Iran.

Participants were followed for approximately five years, during which time there were 2,145 deaths.

Almost one in five people (17 per cent) reported using opium, with 12.7 years being the average duration of use.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

After factors such as poverty and tobacco use had been taken into account, the researchers found that opium use was associated with an 86 per cent increased risk of dying from major causes, such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions and cancer.

Publishing their findings in the British Medical Journal, the study authors concluded that approximately 15 per cent of deaths among study participants were linked to opium use.

Writing in an accompanying editorial, an expert at St Michael's Hospital in Toronto pointed out that few people in high-income countries use opium.

However, assistant professor Irfan Dhalla observed that millions of patients take long-term prescription opioids for chronic pain and that their use may carry risks that are 'incompletely understood'.

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.